Dense wavelength division multiplexing fiber optic apparatuses and related equipment

ABSTRACT

A fiber optic system is provided including a first and second fiber optic assembly, each comprising a body defining a fiber routing volume and a plurality of fiber optic components disposed on the body. The first fiber optic assembly includes a first plurality of optical filters disposed within the first fiber routing volume. The first plurality of optical filters define a first plurality of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) channels, test channels, an express port, and an upgrade port. A second plurality of optical filters disposed within the second fiber routing volume. The second plurality of optical filters define a second group comprising a second plurality of DWDM channels. The test channels and the express port of the first fiber optic assembly are utilized for both the first fiber optic assembly and the second fiber optic assembly.

PRIORITY APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/908,189, filed on Sep. 30, 2019, the content of whichis relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure

The technology of the disclosure relates to dense wavelength divisionmultiplexing provided in fiber optic apparatuses and equipment.

Technical Background

Benefits of optical fiber include extremely wide bandwidth and low noiseoperation. Because of these advantages, optical fiber is increasinglybeing used for a variety of applications, including but not limited tobroadband voice, video, and data transmission. Fiber optic networksemploying optical fiber are being developed and used to deliver voice,video, and data transmissions to subscribers over both private andpublic networks. These fiber optic networks often include separatedconnection points linking optical fibers to provide “live fiber” fromone connection point to another connection point. In this regard, fiberoptic equipment is located in data distribution centers or centraloffices to support interconnections. For example, the fiber opticequipment can support interconnections between servers, storage areanetworks (SANs), and other equipment at data centers. Interconnectionsmay be supported by fiber optic patch panels or modules.

The transition to deep fiber architectures, such as Remoter PhyDistribution (RPD) or 5G, significantly transforms the nature oftraditional head ends into large scale 10G switched network centers.Although similar to large scale datacenters—where large strand countfiber trunks are used to interconnect the massive amount of switchports—the distribution of individual “ports” in neighborhood nodesdramatically drives up strand counts for outside plant (OSP) fibertrunks in the same manner. OSP fiber optic network typically employwavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology, and particularlydense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) to more efficientlytransport traffic. However, the resulting large scale deployment of WDMand DWDM filtering introduces new challenges for space density,channelization efficiency, and cross connection methodology.

Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) multiplexes a number of opticalcarrier signals onto a single optical fiber by using differentwavelengths of light. This technique enables bidirectionalcommunications over one strand of fiber, as well as multiplication ofcapacity. WDM modules may utilize a plurality of optical filters, e.g.bandpass filters and channel filters, to isolate wavelengths for eachchannel. Some representative optical filters may include thin filmfilters (TTFs) and arrayed wave guide (ARG) filters. Dense wavelengthdivision multiplexing (DWDM) increases the number of channels that canbe transmitted over a single optical fiber by reducing the spacingbetween channels, such as 0.8/0.4 nm (100 GHz/50 GHz grid). However,when using filter methods for a DWDM deployment, an increase in thenumber of channels requires a corresponding increase in the number offilters. Each additional filter consumes additional space in a fiberoptic assembly or module.

SUMMARY OF THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include a high densitydense wavelength division multiplexing (HD-DWDM) solution to enableeffective scaling of deep fiber networks. The fiber optic apparatus mayinclude a chassis including a plurality of assemblies utilizingmulti-fiber fiber optic connection components, such as MDC connectors.The MDC connector arrangement may enable a fiber optic connectiondensity of four hundred thirty-two (432) fiber optic connections per Uspace. In some embodiments, the MDC connector arrangement may enable afiber optic connection density of four hundred eighty-six (486) fiberoptic connections per U space. In an example embodiment, the MDCconnector arrangement may enable a fiber optic connection density of atleast five hundred fifty-eight (558) fiber optic connections per Uspace.

In an example embodiment, a fiber optic apparatus is disclosed thatincludes a chassis including a plurality of fiber optic assembliesconfigured to support a fiber optic connection density of at least twohundred eighty-eight (288) wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)channels per U space using multi-fiber fiber optic connectioncomponents, such as MDC connectors. In some example embodiments, thechassis is configured to support a fiber optic connection density of atleast three hundred sixty (360) WDM channels per U space. In an exampleembodiment, the WDM channels are dense wavelength division multiplexing(DWDM) channels.

In some example embodiments, a fiber optic assembly is providedincluding a body defining an fiber routing volume. The fiber routingvolume of the fiber optic assembly may be defined by sides of the bodythat are not fully enclosed such as a tray, or a tray with at least onewall, ledge, or ridge. In some example embodiment, the fiber opticrouting volume may be substantially enclosed, fully enclosed, orhermetically sealed, these configurations may be generally referred toas a fiber optic module. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality offiber optic connection components are disposed in a front side of thebody and a plurality of optical filters are disposed within the fiberrouting volume. The plurality of optical filters facilitate at least aplurality of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) channels. Forexample, eight (8) DWDM channels, twelve (12) DWDM channels, twenty four(24) DWDM channels, thirty-six (36) DWDM channels, forty-eight (48) DWDMchannels, or the like. The optical filters may include a plurality ofoptical fiber components such as bandpass filters and a plurality ofDWDM channel filters, which may be thin film filters (TTFs), arrayedwave guide (AWG) filters, or other suitable optical filters. In anexample embodiment, at least some of the optical filters may be retainedin a predetermined position by a plurality of filter cradles. The fiberoptic assemblies may also include a plurality of fiber routing guidesconfigured to route optical fibers in a way that avoids opticalattenuation due to bending, for example, a figure eight pattern can beused between the plurality of optical filters. The fiber routing guidesand/or the filter cradle position may be arranged to enable a fiberrouting scheme which avoids sharp bends or optical attenuation, forexample, having bend radii of greater than about 15 mm.

In a further example embodiment, a fiber optic system is providedincluding a first fiber optic assembly that includes a first pluralityof optical filters configured to enable a first at least twenty four(24) dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) channels, testchannels, an express port, and an upgrade port. The system may beexpanded by adding a second fiber optic assembly having a secondplurality of optical filters configured to enable a second at leasttwenty four (24) DWDM channels. The expansion from 24 DWDM channels to a48 DWDM channels, by connecting two (2) twenty four (24) DWDM channelsassemblies together, is realized by connecting the upgrade port of thefirst assembly to the input port of the second assembly. The testchannels and the express port are utilized for the first fiber opticassembly and the second fiber optic assembly, thereby reducing anaccumulated signal attenuation. The test channels, which can be used tomonitor and trouble shoot for a network link, and the express port isdesigned to get quick access to the spectrum that is not used in thefiber optic assembly. The DWDM channels are concatenated so as to get asignal for each DWDM port out of the input light. In some exampleembodiments, the first fiber optic assembly may include a loopbackfeature that is configured to pass an optical signal through from aninput to an output that can be looped back to a second input to theoptical filters. Alternatively, the output of the first fiber opticassembly may be connected to an input of the second fiber optic assemblyand an output of the second fiber optic assembly may be connected to thesecond input of the fiber optic assembly. In this manner, the fiberoptic system may be expanded from 24 channels to 48 channels whilemaintaining the multiplexing order and demultiplexing order both insideplant (ISP) and outside plant (OSP).

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detaileddescription which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing theinvention as described herein, including the detailed description thatfollows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description present embodiments, and are intendedto provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature andcharacter of the disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included toprovide a further understanding, and are incorporated into andconstitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate variousembodiments, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples and operation of the concepts disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic equipmentrack with an installed exemplary 1-U size chassis supportinghigh-density fiber optic modules to provide a given fiber opticconnection density and bandwidth capability, according to an exampleembodiment;

FIGS. 2A-2D are front views of various configurations of the chassis ofFIG. 1; according to an embodiments;

FIGS. 3A-3C are top views of one fiber optic equipment tray withinstalled fiber optic modules in various configurations and configuredto be installed in the chassis of FIG. 1, according to exampleembodiments;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fiber optic module of with a coveropen, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 4 withthe cover and internal fiber components removed, according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a filter cradle, according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the cover of the fiber opticmodule, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of fiber optic module including aplurality of optical filters and splice protection sleeves, according toan example embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 7Aincluding a plurality of optical fibers, according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 8 is perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic component for thefiber optic modules, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 9A illustrates a schematic view of an example of a twenty-four (24)channel DWDM fiber optic module, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 9B illustrates an example fiber optic connection arrangement forthe twenty-four (24) channel DWDM fiber optic module of FIG. 9A,according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of an example of a forty-eight (48)channel DWDM fiber optic module, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an example of a twenty-four (24) channelDWDM fiber optic module and a twenty-four channel DWDM expansion fiberoptic module, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a DWDM multiplexing and demultiplexingconfiguration for forty-eight (48) DWDM channels, according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a DWDM multiplexing and demultiplexingconfiguration for a twenty-four (24) channel DWDM fiber optic modulewith a loopback feature, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a DWDM multiplexing and demultiplexingconfiguration for a twenty-four (24) channel DWDM fiber optic moduleconnected to an twenty-four (24) channel DWDM expansion fiber opticmodule using the loopback feature, according to an example embodiment;and

FIGS. 15A and 15B are a front view and perspective view of a fiber opticsplitter module according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples ofwhich are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, butnot all features are shown. Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used torefer to like components or parts.

Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include fiber opticapparatuses that provide and comprise a chassis defining one or more Uspace fiber optic equipment units, wherein at least one of the one ormore U space fiber optic equipment units is configured to support agiven fiber optic connection density or WDM channel density in a 1-Uspace, and for a given fiber optic component, e.g. connector or adapter,type(s).

In this regard, FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary 1-U size fiber opticequipment 10 from a front perspective view. The fiber optic equipment 10supports high-density fiber optic assemblies that support a high fiberoptic connection density and bandwidth in a 1-U space, as will bedescribed in greater detail below. The fiber optic equipment 10 may beprovided, for example, at a data distribution center or central office,to support cable-to-cable fiber optic connections and to manage aplurality of fiber optic cable connections. As will be described ingreater detail below, the fiber optic equipment 10 has one or more fiberoptic equipment trays 20 that each support one or more fiber opticassemblies. Here, the fiber optic assemblies are substantially enclosedfiber optic modules 22. Fiber optic modules 22 are used throughout thespecification of illustrative purposes, however, fiber optic assembliesthat are not substantially enclosed may also be used. In addition to thefiber optic modules 22, the fiber optic equipment 10 could also beadapted to support one or more fiber optic patch panels, or other fiberoptic equipment, that supports fiber optic components and connectivity.

The fiber optic equipment 10 includes a fiber optic equipment chassis 12(“chassis 12”). The chassis 12 is shown as being installed in a fiberoptic equipment rack 14. The fiber optic equipment rack 14 contains twovertical rails 16A, 16B that extend vertically and include a series ofapertures 18 for facilitating attachment of the chassis 12 inside thefiber optic equipment rack 14. In some example embodiments, the chassis12 may include a housing surrounding at least a portion of the chassis12. The chassis 12 is attached and supported by the fiber opticequipment rack 14 in the form of shelves that are stacked on top of eachother within the vertical rails 16A, 16B. As illustrated, the chassis 12is attached to the vertical rails 16A, 16B. The fiber optic equipmentrack 14 may support 1-U-sized shelves, with “rack unit” or “U” equal to1.75 inches in height and nineteen (19) inches in width, as specified inEIA-310-D; published by the Electronic Industries Alliance. In certainapplications, the width of “U” may be twenty-three (23) inches. Also,the term fiber optic equipment rack 14 should be understood to includestructures that are cabinets, as well. In this embodiment, the chassis12 is 1-U in size; however, the chassis 12 could be provided in a sizegreater than 1-U as well, such as 2-U, 4-U, or the like.

The fiber optic equipment 10 includes a plurality of fixed or extendablefiber optic equipment trays 20 that each carries one or more fiber opticassemblies or fiber optic modules 22. Each fiber optic equipment traymay include one or more module guides rails 24 configured to slidablyreceive the fiber optic modules 22. In an example embodiment, the fiberoptic modules may be installable from either the front of the fiberoptic equipment trays 20 the rear of the fiber optic equipment trays, orboth. The chassis 12 and fiber optic equipment trays 20 support fiberoptic modules 22 that support high-density fiber optic connectiondensity and/or high density WDM channel density in a given space,including in a 1-U space.

FIG. 1 shows exemplary fiber optic components 23 disposed in the fiberoptic modules 22 that support fiber optic connections. For example, thefiber optic components 23 may be fiber optic adapters or fiber opticconnectors. As will also be discussed in greater detail later below, thefiber optic modules 22 in this embodiment can be provided such that thefiber optic components 23 can be disposed through at least abouteighty-five percent (85%) of the width of the front side or face of thefiber optic module 22, as an example. The fiber optic module 22 mayinclude one or more multi-fiber fiber optic components 23. For example,the multi-fiber fiber optic components may include multi-fiberpush-on/pull-off (MPO) connectors or adapters (e.g., according to IEC61754-7). In some examples, the multi-fiber fiber optic components mayinclude very-small form factor (VSFF) connectors or adapters, such asMDC connectors or adapters (sometimes referred to as “mini duplexconnectors”) offered by U.S. Conec, Ltd. (Hickory, N.C.), and SNconnectors or adapters (sometimes referred to as a Senko Next-generationconnectors) offered by Senko Advanced Components, Inc. (Marlborough,Mass.). Such VSFF connectors or adapters may be particularly useful inthe structured optical fiber cable systems in this disclosure, and willbe referred to generically as “dual-ferrule VSFF components” due totheir common design characteristic of the connectors having twosingle-fiber ferrules within a common housing (and the adapters beingconfigured to accept such connectors).

This fiber optic module 22 configuration may provide a front opening ofapproximately 90 millimeters (mm) or less wherein fiber optic components23 can be disposed through the front opening and at a fiber opticconnection density of at least one fiber optic connection perapproximately 2 mm of width or less of the front opening of the fiberoptic modules 22 for dual-ferrule VSFF adapters, such as SN connectoradapters or an MDC connector adapter. Reference below to MDC connectorsand adapters, is merely for illustrative purposes and other duplex fiberoptic components, e.g. connectors and associated adapters, may also beused. In this example, eighteen (18) duplex fiber optic components maybe installed in each fiber optic module 22. The fiber optic equipmenttrays 20 in this embodiment support up to four (4) of the fiber opticmodules 22 in approximately the width of a 1-U space, and three (3)fiber optic equipment trays 20 in the height of a 1-U space for a totalof twelve (12) fiber optic modules 22 in a 1-U space. Thus, for example,if eighteen (18) duplex fiber optic components were disposed in each ofthe twelve (12) fiber optic modules 22 installed in fiber opticequipment trays 20 of the chassis 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1, a totalof four hundred thirty two (432) fiber optic connections, or two hundredsixteen (216) duplex channels (i.e., transmit and receive channels),would be supported by the chassis 12 in a 1-U space.

In the example depicted in FIG. 1, the fiber optic equipment trays 20include module guide rails 24 disposed on each edge and three moduleguide rails 24 disposed at intermediate locations, between each of thefiber optic modules 22. In other embodiments, one or more of the moduleguide rails 24 may be removed or may be selectively removable, such asby snap fit or fasteners. Removing one or more of the guide rails 24 mayenable a larger fiber optic module to be utilized which has a largerfront side face than two smaller fiber optic modules. This larger frontside face may accommodate additional fiber optic components 23. Forexample, FIG. 2A illustrates fiber optic equipment trays 20 includingthree module guide rails 24 at intermediate positions and two guiderails 24 disposed at edge positions. The depicted fiber optic tray 20may receive four (4) fiber optic modules 22 each having eighteen (18)duplex fiber components for a total of one forty-four (144) opticalfiber connections per tray and four hundred thirty two (432) opticalfiber connections per 1-U space. In FIG. 2B, two intermediate guiderails 24 may be removed enabling additional fiber optic components 23 tobe added. In the depicted fiber optic tray 20, six (6) additional duplexconnection ports are added for a total of one hundred fifty-six (156)optical fiber connections per tray and four hundred sixty-eight (468)optical fiber connections per 1-U space. In FIG. 2C, an additionalintermediate guide rail 24 may be removed enabling additional fiberoptic components 23 to be added. In the depicted fiber optic tray 20,three (3) additional duplex connection ports are added for a total ofone hundred sixty-two (162) optical fiber connections per tray and fourhundred eighty-six (486) optical fiber connections per 1-U space. InFIG. 2D, edge guide rails 24 may be removed enabling additional fiberoptic components 23 to be added. In the depicted fiber optic tray 20,twelve (12) additional duplex connection ports are added for a total ofone hundred eighty-six (186) optical fiber connections per tray and fivehundred fifty-eight (558) optical fiber connections per 1-U space.

Turning to FIGS. 3A-3C, utilizing different module guide rail 24configurations different size fiber optic modules may be supported bythe fiber optic trays 20. These fiber optic modules 22 may be configuredto support a number of WDM or DWDM channels based on the fiber routingvolume of the fiber optic module 22 and/or the number of fiber opticcomponents 23 available on the fiber optic module 22. In the exampledepicted in FIG. 3A, the fiber optic equipment tray 20 may include four(4) fiber optic modules 22 configured to support 24 DWDM channels for atotal of ninety-six (96) DWDM channels per fiber optic tray 20 and atotal of two hundred eighty-eight (288) DWDM channels per 1-U space. Inthe example depicted in FIG. 3B, two (2) fiber optic modules 22 areprovided on each of the three (3) fiber optic trays 20. Due to thelarger fiber routing volume and/or the larger number of fiber opticcomponents 23 per module, each of the fiber optic modules 22 may beconfigured to support forty-eight (48) DWDM channels for a total ofninety-six (96) DWDM channels per fiber optic tray 20 and a total of twohundred eighty-eight (288) DWDM channels per 1-U space. Alternatively,the chassis 12 may include two (2) fiber optic trays, and the fiberoptic trays may include two (2) fiber optic modules 22 configured tosupport forty-eight (48) DWDM channels for a total of ninety-six (96)DWDM channels per fiber optic tray 20 and a total of one hundredninety-two (192) DWDM channels per 1-U space. In the example depicted inin FIG. 3C, the width of the fiber optic modules may be configured tomaximize DWDM channel density. This fiber optic tray 20 includes two (2)fiber optic modules configured to support forty-eight DWDM channels andone (1) fiber optic module 22 configured to support twenty-four (24)DWDM channels for a total of one hundred (120) DWDM channels per fiberoptic tray 20 and three hundred sixty (360) DWDM channels per 1-U space.

FIG. 4 is perspective views of an exemplary fiber optic assembly,particularly a substantially enclosed fiber optic module 22, asdescribed above. The fiber optic assembly may include a base or body 102configured to support a fiber optic arrangement. The body 102 may definea fiber routing volume, which may be fully, or partially enclosed asdescribed below, or may be generally unenclosed. For example, the fiberrouting volume defined by the body 102 of the fiber optic assembly maybe fully enclosed, or a hermetically sealed volume, or it can be avolume defined by sides of the fiber optic assembly that are not fullyenclosed, such as a support base, or a support base with at least onewall, ledge, or ridge.

The depicted fiber optic module 22 is comprised of the body 102receiving a cover 104. The fiber routing volume 106 is disposed insidethe body 102 and the cover 104 and is configured to receive or retainoptical fibers or a fiber optic cable harness, as will be described inmore detail below. The body 102 is disposed between a first side edge,an opposing second side edge, and a rear edge. In an example embodiment,a first side wall 103A is disposed at the first side edge, a secondsidewall 103B is disposed at the second side edge, and a rear sidewall105 is disposed at the rear edge. The sidewalls 103A, 103B, 105 may becontinuous or discontinuous. The cover may engage one or more or thesidewalls 103A, 103B, 105 and at least partially enclose the fiberrouting volume. For example the side walls 103A, 103B, 105 and/or covermay include one or more complementary tabs and recesses, may beinterference fit, or the otherwise engage each other.

Fiber optic components 23 can be disposed through a front side 108 ofthe main body 102 and configured to receive fiber optic connectorsconnected to fiber optic cables. In this example, the fiber opticcomponents 23 are duplex MDC fiber optic adapters that are configured toreceive and support connections with duplex MDC fiber optic connectors.However, any fiber optic duplex connection type desired can be providedin the fiber optic module 22. FIG. 8 depicts one example fiber opticcomponent 23 that includes three (3) MDC adapter ports configured toreceive up to three (3) MDC connectors in a footprint of an LC (LucentConnector) duplex connector. One or more module rails 110 are disposedon the first sidewall 103A and/or second sidewall 102B of the fiberoptic module 22. The module rails 110 are configured to be insertedwithin the module guide rails 24 in the fiber optic equipment tray 20,as illustrated in FIG. 1. In this manner, when it is desired to installa fiber optic module 22 in the fiber optic equipment tray 20, the frontside 96 of the fiber optic module 22 can be inserted from either thefront end or the rear end of the fiber optic equipment tray 20.

In the depicted example, the fiber optic module 22 is configured tosupport a plurality of WDM channels, each WDM channel is defined by aparticular optical wavelength. More particularly, the depicted fiberoptic module 22 is configured to support twenty-four (24) DWDM channels.The depicted fiber optic module 22 is merely for illustrative purposesand similar configurations may be utilized to support eight (8) DWDMchannels, twelve (12) DWDM channels, thirty-six (36) DWDM channels,forty-eight (48) DWDM channels, or other suitable DWDM channeldensities.

FIG. 4 illustrates the fiber optic module 22 in an exploded view withthe cover 104 of the fiber optic module 22 removed to illustrate thefiber routing volume 106 and other internal components of the fiberoptic module 22. The fiber optic module 22 may include a plurality ofoptical filters 112 disposed within the fiber routing volume 106. Theoptical filters depicted enable at least twenty-four (24) DWDM channels,as described in further detail below. Some example optical filters 112may include thin film filters (TFFs) and/or arrayed wave guide (AWG)filters. In a preferred embodiment, the optical filters 112 comprise TTFoptical filters. The optical filters 112 may be retained in apredetermined position within the fiber routing volume 106 by one ormore filter cradles 114. In an example embodiment, the fiber opticmodule 22 may include on or more fiber optic splice connections disposedbetween the optical filters 112 and the fiber optic components 23. Forexample the one or more fiber optic splices may be fusion splices. Theone or more fusion splices may be disposed in a splice protector 116 toprevent or limit damage to the fusion splices. Alternatively, athermoplastic layer may be used to protect the fusion slices. Thethermoplastic layer may be similar to those described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/573,116, titled “FIBER OPTIC CABLE ASSEMBLY WITHTHERMOPLASTICALLY OVERCOATED FUSION SPLICE, AND RELATED METHOD ANDAPPARATUS”, filed Sep. 17, 2019 the disclosure of which is fullyincorporated by reference. The one or more splice protection sleeves 116may also be disposed in one or more of the filter cradles 114. In someexample embodiments, one or more fiber routing guides 118 may bedisposed in the fiber routing volume 106. The configuration of the fiberrouting guides 118 and optical filters 112 within the fiber routingvolume 106 may enable fiber routing without bend loss. For example, theoptical fibers may be routed such that the optical fibers maintain abend radii of greater that about 15 mm, e.g. are routed to limit orprevent sharp bends. An example fiber routing pattern is described belowin reference to FIG. 7B.

FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of the fiber optic module 22 with thecover 104 and internal fiber optic components removed. In an exampleembodiment, the filter cradles 114 and fiber routing guides 118 may beconfigured to route the optical fibers in a generally figure eightpattern, such as depicted in FIG. 7B. The fiber optic cradles 114 may bedisposed at a first location and a second location along the length ofthe fiber optic module 22 to accommodate the fiber routing pattern. Assuch, the filter cradles 114 disposed proximate to the first sidewall103A at about one-third (⅓) and two-thirds (⅔) the length of the fiberoptic module 22 can be considered as a first set of the filter cradles114. The filter cradles disposed proximate to the second side wall 103Bat about one-third (⅓) and two-thirds (⅔) the length of the fiber opticmodule 22 can be considered as a second set of filter cradles 114. Oneor more fiber routing guides 118 may be disposed between the fiber opticcomponents and the filter cradles 114 disposed at about one-third (⅓)the length of the fiber optic module. In some example embodiments, oneor more fiber routing guides 118 are disposed between the filter cradles114 disposed at about one-third (⅓) and the filter cradles disposed attwo-thirds (⅔) the length of the fiber optic module 22. Additionally oralternatively, in some embodiments, fiber routing guides 118 may bedisposed between the rear wall 105 and the filter cradles 114 The fiberrouting guides 118 may be disposed at or near a centerline position inthe fiber optic module 22. The fiber routing guides 118 may be formed ofmetal, molded plastic, or a flexible material, such as rubber. In anexample embodiment, the fiber routing guides 118 may be substantiallyrectangular in shape, although other configurations are contemplated,such as cylindrical. The fiber routing guides 118 may include a fiberslot passing through a wall of the fiber routing guides 118. The fiberslot may enable an optical fiber to be inserted or removed from thefiber routing guide 118. In an example embodiment, the fiber slot may beformed at an angle relative to the direction of fiber routing, which mayreduce inadvertent removal of a fiber from the fiber routing guide 118.

In some example embodiments, a fiber guide 120 is disposed at an end ofthe filter cradles 114, such as the end proximate the first and secondsidewalls 103A, 103B. The fiber guide 120 may be separate from thefilter cradle 114 or may be integral to the filter cradle 114. The fiberguide 120 may be formed including a longitudinal slot 121 (FIG. 5B)configured to receive one or more optical fibers. In some exampleembodiments, the longitudinal slot 121 may enable a portion of the fiberguide to overlap another portion of the fiber guide 120, as depicted inFIG. 5B. The overlapping portions of the fiber guide 120 may enablerelatively easy insertion and removal of an optical fiber by atechnician, but restrict inadvertent removal of the optical fiber.Similar to the fiber routing guide 118, the filter cradle 114 and/or thefiber guide 120, may be formed from metal, molded plastic or a flexiblematerial, such as rubber.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the filter cradles 114 may include a plurality offilter troughs 122. The troughs 122 may each be configured to receive aportion of an optical filter 112. The troughs 122 may restrict lateralmovement of the optical filters 112 in the filter cradle 114.Additionally, the troughs 122 may align a first row A of optical filters112, such that valleys 123 are formed between the optical filters 112. Asecond row B of optical filters 112 may be disposed in the valleys 123formed between the optical filters 112 of the first row A of opticalfilters 112.

FIG. 6 depicts a bottom perspective view of the cover 104 of the fiberoptic module 22. In the depicted example; the cover 104 includes acradle top 115. The cradle top 115 may be configured to restrain the topsurface of the optical filters 112 disposed in the filter cradles 114.In an example embodiment, the cradle top 115 may include troughsconfigured to align with the second row B of optical filters 112. Thecradle top 115 may be integral to, or be separate from, the cover 104.The cradle top 115 may be formed from metal, molded plastic or aflexible material, such as rubber.

FIG. 7A depicts a perspective view of fiber optic module including aplurality of optical filters 112 and splice protection sleeves 116installed in a plurality of filter cradles 114. The optical filters 112may be arranged to provide a particularly small the depth or height H ofthe fiber optic module 22. As such, the optical filters 112 may bearranged in channel groups, such as groups of eight (8) DWDM channels.The optical filters 112 for the respective eight (8) DWDM channels maybe disposed in two offset rows (A and B of FIG. 5B). In an exampleembodiment, the height of the fiber optic module 22 may be about 12 mm.In some embodiments, additional fiber optic components may be disposedin the filter cradles 114, such as couplers, bandpass filters, or thelike, as described below in reference to FIGS. 9-12. The width (W) ofthe fiber optic module 22 may be based on the configuration of the fiberoptic components 23. For example, the depicted fiber optic module 22includes fiber optic components 23 configured to receive 18 duplex fiberconnectors, specifically MDC connectors. In this embodiment, the width(W) of the fiber optic module 22, e.g. the lateral distance betweensides, is about 90 mm. The length (L) or depth of the fiber optic module22, from the front side to a rear side, may be based on fiber routingand fiber management, such as minimizing bend loss by limiting orpreventing sharp bends in the optical fibers. Referring to FIGS. 7A and7B, the optical fibers 130 may be routed in a substantially figure eight(8) pattern, through the fiber routing guides 118, optical filters 112,splice protection sleeves 116, fiber guides 120, and the like. Theoptical fibers 130 may be routed to minimize bend loss caused by sharpbending, such as by maintaining a bend radii of greater than about 15mm. In an example embodiment, the length (L) of the fiber optic modulemay be about 216 mm or less. In an example embodiment, optical fibers130 may exit a fiber optic component and be routed about the peripheryof the body 102, e.g. via the integral fiber guides 120, and connect toa subsequent fiber optic component. If the optical fiber needs to changedirection to connect to the subsequent fiber optic component, theoptical fiber 103 may be routed through the fiber routing guides 118 ina figure eight (8) pattern. In the depicted embodiment, the volumedefined by body 102 of the fiber optic module 22 may be 233,280 mm³ orless.

FIG. 9A illustrates a schematic view of an example of a twenty-four (24)channel DWDM fiber optic module 22. FIG. 9B illustrates an example fiberoptic connection arrangement for the twenty-four (24) channel DWDM fiberoptic module 22 of FIG. 9A. As used in this disclosure, opticalcomponents being “connected to” each other refers to an optical pathbeing established between the components. An input fiber may beconnected to a common port 201, e.g. “COM” or “CM”. The input fiber maybe configured to carry up to forty-eight DWDM channel signals. Thecommon port 201 may be in communication with one or more splitters 202,such as a 98/2 splitter 202A and a 50/50 splitter 202B that divide theoptical power into two paths according to the power splitting ratio. The50/50 splitter 202B may receive an input from both the input and outputof the 98/2 splitter 202A and output the received signals to test ports203A, 203B “T1, T2”. In some embodiments, a bandpass filter (not shown)may be provided between the common port 201 and the splitter 202A, 202Band/or the test port 203A, 203B. The bandpass filter may pass an opticalsignal used for optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) device testingof the fiber optic module 22. In an example embodiment an isolator, suchas a 1550 nm isolator, may be disposed between the 50/50 splitter 202Band a test port, such as test port 203B.

An output of the 98/2 splitter 202A, may be in communication with anexpress bandpass filter 204. The express bandpass filter 204 may beconfigured to pass a signal to an express port 205 and a plurality ofDWDM channels to the DWDM filters 206. The DWDM filters 206 may includea plurality of group bandpass filters 207 configured to pass the signalfor eight (8) adjacent DWDM channels. The group bandpass filter 207 maybe an eight-skip-zero (8s0) filter. Such filters can perform thefunction of separating a plurality of adjacent DWDM channel wavelengths,e.g. eight DWDM channels, from the optical signal. The output of thegroup bandpass filter 207 may be in communication with a plurality ofDWDM channel filters 208. Each of the DWDM channel filters 208 may be abandpass filter configured to pass a specific DWDM channel signal. TheDWDM channel filters 208 may be in communication with an output channelconnection 210. In the depicted embodiment, the fiber optic module 22includes output channels 14-37 corresponding to twenty-four (24) DWDMchannels.

In an example embodiment, the output of the last group bandpass filter207 may also be in communication with an upgrade “Upg” port 211. TheUpgrade port 211 may enable the signal for additional DWDM channels tobe passed to a downstream fiber optic module. In the embodiment depictedin FIG. 9A, the third group of DWDM channels are not passed by a groupbandpass filter 207. The upgrade port 211 is connected in parallel withthe DWDM channel filter 208. In other embodiment, a group bandpassfilter 207 may be disposed to pass the third group of DWDM channelsignals and the remaining signal is passed to the upgrade port 211, asdepicted in FIG. 11.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of an example of a forty-eight (48)channel DWDM fiber optic module 22″. The fiber optic module 22″ of FIG.10 may be substantially similar to fiber optic module 22 of FIG. 9A,except as detailed below. The forty-eight (48) channel DWDM fiber opticmodule 22″ may include twenty-four (24) additional DWDM channels. Thetwenty-four (24) additional DWDM channels may include additional groupbandpass filters 207 passing eight (8) adjacent channels to eight (8)DWDM channel filters 208. The forty-eight (48) channel DWDM fiber opticmodule 22 may have an accumulated loss of approximately 3.10 dB. Someexample losses contributing to the total loss may include a lossassociated with the input connection, e.g. common port 201, ofapproximate 0.2 dB, a loss associated with the 98/2 splitter 202A ofapproximately 0.3 dB, a loss associated with the express bandpass filter204 of approximately 0.6 dB, a loss associated with each group bandpassfilter 207 of approximately 0.4 dB, and a loss associated with the DWDMchannel filters 208 of approximately 0.25 dB. The As a comparison, thetwenty-four (24) DWDM channel module 22 depicted in FIG. 9A may have anaccumulated loss of approximately 1.9 dB.

FIG. 11 a schematic view of an example of a twenty-four (24) channelDWDM fiber optic module 22 and a twenty-four (24) channel DWDM expansionfiber optic module 22′. The twenty-four (24) channel DWDM fiber opticmodule 22 may include a third group bandpass filter 207, which may passthe third group of DWDM channel signals to the respective DWDM channelfilters 208. The remaining signal may be passed to the upgrade port 211.The third group bandpass filter 207 while not necessary for atwenty-four (24) DWDM channel utilization may optimize expansion tothirty-six (36) or forty-eight (48) DWDM channel utilization.

The twenty-four (24) channel DWDM expansion fiber optic module 22′ mayinclude two group bandpass filters 207 and twenty-four (24) channelfilters 208 arranged similar to the twenty-four (24) channel DWDM fiberoptic module 22 described in reference to FIG. 9A. However, thetwenty-four (24) channel DWDM expansion fiber optic module 22′ may havea reduced accumulated loss when compared to traditional expansion units.In an example embodiment, the twenty-four (24) channel DWDM expansionfiber optic module 22′ does not include the test ports 203A, 203B, orexpress port 205, which in turn enables the twenty-four (24) channelDWDM expansion fiber optic module 22′ to not include the associatedsplitters 202A, 202B, and express bandpass filter 207. The loss savingsof this configuration may be approximately 1.6 dB. As such, theforty-eight (48) DWDM channels provided by the twenty-four (24) channelDWDM fiber optic module 22 and the twenty-four (24) channel DWDMexpansion fiber optic module 22′ may have only 0.4 dB greater loss thana standard forty-eight (48) channel DWDM fiber optic module 22″. Thetwenty-four (24) channel DWDM expansion fiber optic module 22′ is merelyan example expansion module, other expansion modules are contemplated,for example a twelve (12) channel DWDM expansion fiber optic modulecontaining one (1) six-skip-zero (6s0) group bandpass filter and twelvechannel filters.

FIG. 12 is block diagram of a DWDM multiplexing configuration forforty-eight (48) DWDM channels according to an example embodiment. DWDMchannels may be deployed in channel groups, such as 8 channels perchannel group, 6 channels per channel group, or the like. In theexamples depicted in FIGS. 12-14, an inside plant (ISP) fiber opticmodule 302 and outside plant (OSP) fiber optic module 304 each includeDWDM channels that are arranged in groups of eight (8) DWDM channels.These channel groups of eight (8) DWDM channels are represented andreferred to by reference indicators A-F to simplify the figures anddiscussion below.

The accumulated loss of the ISP DWDM fiber optic modules 302 is alsopresent in the OSP fiber optic modules 304 on the opposite end of theoptical signal. Because the accumulated loss is highest at the last setof DWDM channels, e.g. DWDM channel group F, the DeMux order at the OSPfiber optic modules 304 (F-A) may be opposite of the Mux order of theISP fiber optic modules 302 (A-F).

In an example in which only twenty-four (24) DWDM channels are utilized,the fiber optic module 22 discussed above in FIG. 11 may include aloopback feature. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a DWDM multiplexingconfiguration for a twenty-four (24) channel DWDM fiber optic module 22with a loopback feature, according to an example embodiment. Referringto FIGS. 13 and 9A, the loopback feature may include a first inputconnection, e.g. the “common” port 201, directly coupled to an outputconnection, e.g. the upgrade port 211, and a second input connectionconnected to the first plurality of optical filters. The loopbackfeature may embodied as a connector disposed on either end of an opticalfiber. In another example embodiment, the output connection and thesecond input connection may be disposed in the same duplex connectorport, e.g. the top optical connection 211A and bottom optical connection211B of the upgrade port 211. he loopback adaptor 222 may include aduplex connector having a optical fiber connected to between the twoports of the connector. The optical fiber may extend from the loopbackadaptor 222 or may be housed within a connector body. In this manner, aloopback adapter 222 may be installed in the upgrade port 211 with a ˜0dB loss, such as a 0.2 dB loss for the associated connectors, resultingin a 0.4 dB loss across the loopback adapter. This enables the outsideplant DeMux order to be maintained for the initial deployment oftwenty-four (24) DWDM channels (DWDM channel groups F-D) and enableexpansion to forty-eight (48) DWDM channels (DWDM channel groups A-F),by adding an additional twenty-four (24) DWDM channels (DWDM channelgroups A-C) without disrupting service to the first twenty-four (24)DWDM channels (DWDM channel groups D-F), as described below in referenceto FIG. 14.

As depicted in FIG. 13, the input to the fiber optic module 22 is passeddirectly from the common port 201 to the upgrade port top connection211A. The loopback adapter 222 passes the optical signal from theupgrade port top connection 211A to the upgrade port bottom connection211B. The loopback adapter 222 may have a ˜0 dB loss, or if attenuationis desired a calibrated attenuation may be provided. The upgrade portbottom connection 211B passes the optical signal to the optical filtersof DWDM channel groups D-F corresponding to the OSP fiber optic modules304A DWDM channel group order of F-D.

Turning to FIG. 14, a DWDM multiplexing configuration for a twenty-four(24) channel DWDM fiber optic module 22 connected to a twenty-four (24)channel DWDM expansion fiber optic module 22′ using the loopback featureis shown. The input signal is passed directly through the fiber opticmodule 22 to the upgrade port top connection 211A, as described above.Similar to the upgrade port 211 of the fiber optic module 22, the commonport top connection 201A′ may be used as the common input, and thecommon port bottom connection 201B′ may be used as an output from theexpansion fiber optic module 22′. This may enable a single jumper cablewith two optical fibers 224, 226 and duplex connectors to pass theoptical signals between the fiber optic module 22 and the expansionfiber optic module 22′. The upgrade port top connection 211A may beconnected to the common port 201′ of the expansion fiber optic module22′ by a first optical fiber 224. The expansion fiber optic module 22′includes DWDM channel groups A-C. The output of the expansion fiberoptic module 22′ may be passed to the common port bottom connection201B′ which is in turn connected to the upgrade port bottom connection211B by a second optical fiber 226. The fiber optic module 22 includesDWDM channel groups D-F. On the receiving end of the signal, additionalfiber optic modules 304B associated with DWDM channel groups C-A may bespliced with the first OSP fiber optic modules 304A associated with DWDMchannel groupss F-D. In this way, the addition of twenty-four (24) ISPDWDM channels enables the DeMux order OSP fiber optic modules 304A, 304Bto be maintained. The use of the bottom and top optical connections ofthe upgrade and common port are merely for illustrative purposes, andany available optical port may be used to connect the fiber optic module22 to the expansion fiber optic module 22′.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are a front view and perspective view of an examplefiber optic splitter module 400, according to an example embodiment. Thesplitter module 400 may include a body, cover and fiber opticcomponents, similar to the body 102, cover 104 and fiber opticcomponents 23 discussed above in reference to the fiber optic module 22of FIG. 4. The splitter module 400 may include an input connection I1and a plurality, such as thirty-two (32), output connections O1-O32. Asplitter chip may be disposed in the fiber routing volume of thesplitter module 400 and configured to split the input signal into aplurality of output signals provided on each of the plurality of outputconnections.

In an example embodiment a fiber optic assembly is provided including abody defining a fiber routing volume, a plurality of fiber opticcomponents disposed in a front side of the body, and a plurality ofoptical filters disposed within the fiber routing volume, wherein theplurality of optical filters enable at least twenty four (24) densewavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) channels.

In an example embodiment, the fiber optic routing volume comprises lessthan 233,280 mm3. In some example embodiments, the plurality of opticalfilters include a plurality of thin film filters. In an exampleembodiment, the plurality of optical filters include a plurality ofbandpass filters and a plurality of DWDM channel filters. In someexample embodiments, the plurality of bandpass filters includeeight-skip-zero (8s0) filters. In an example embodiment, the fiber opticassembly also includes a plurality of filter cradles configured toretain the optical filters in a predetermined position within the fiberrouting volume. The filter cradles are disposed to enable fiber routingwith bend radii of greater that about 15 mm. In some exampleembodiments, the plurality of filter cradles includes first and secondsets of two filter cradles. The two filter cradles of the first set oftwo filter cradles are disposed proximate to a first side edge of thebody at about one-third (⅓) and about two-thirds (⅔) a length of thefiber optic assembly, respectively, and the two filter cradles of thesecond set of two filter cradles are disposed proximate to a second sideedge of the body at about one-third (⅓) and about two-thirds (⅔) thelength of the fiber optic assembly, respectively. In an exampleembodiment, the fiber optic assembly also includes a plurality of fiberrouting guides configured to route optical fibers in a figure eightpattern between the plurality of optical filters and the plurality offiber optic components. In some example embodiments, the plurality offiber cradles are each configured to retain some of the plurality ofoptical filters in two stacked rows. In an example embodiment, the twostacked rows includes a first row optical filters and a second row ofoptical filters, the second row of optical filters defines valleysbetween adjacent optical filters in the second row of optical filters,and the optical filters in the first row of optical filters are disposedin the valleys defined by the second row of optical filters such thatthe first row of optical filters is offset from the second row ofoptical filters. In some example embodiments, the plurality of filtercradles are further configured to retain a plurality of spliceprotection sleeves. In an example embodiment, the plurality of filtercradles further include an integral fiber routing guide. In some exampleembodiments, the integral fiber routing guide is disposed proximate tothe first side edge or second side edge. In an example embodiment, theplurality of fiber optic components includes at least one multi-fiberfiber optic component. In some example embodiments, the multi-fiberfiber optic component includes a dual-ferrule very small form factor(VSFF) component. In an example embodiment, the body also includes aside edge and at least one sidewall extending from the side edge. Insome example embodiments, the fiber optic assembly also includes a coverconfigured to engage the sidewall and at least partially enclose thefiber routing volume. In an example embodiment, the fiber optic assemblyalso includes a first plurality of filter cradles disposed on the bodyand a second plurality of filter cradles disposed on the cover oppositethe first plurality of filter cradles. The first plurality of filtercradles and the second plurality of filter cradles are configured toretain the optical filters in a predetermined position within the fiberrouting volume.

In another example embodiment, a fiber optic apparatus is providedincluding a chassis. The chassis is configured to support a fiber opticconnection density of at least one hundred ninety-two (192) wavelengthdivision multiplexing (WDM) channels per U space, based on using atleast one multi-fiber fiber optic component. In an example embodiment,the chassis is configured to support a fiber optic connection density ofat least two hundred eighty-eight (288) WDM channels per U space. Insome example embodiments, the chassis is configured to support a fiberoptic connection density of at least three hundred sixty (360) WDMchannels per U space. In an example embodiment, the at least onemulti-fiber fiber optic component includes at least one dual-ferrulevery small form factor (VSFF) component. In some example embodiments,the WDM channels are dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWMD)channels. In an example embodiment, the fiber optic apparatus alsoincludes a plurality of fiber optic equipment trays supported by thechassis and a plurality of fiber optic assemblies configured to beinstalled in the plurality of fiber optic equipment trays. Each fiberoptic assembly of the plurality of fiber optic assemblies includes afront side configured to support the at least multi-fiber fiber opticcomponent, a fiber routing volume, and a plurality of optical fibersdisposed within the fiber routing volume and arranged to establishoptical connections between an input fiber optic component and at leastone output fiber optic component. In some example embodiments, eachfiber optic equipment tray of the plurality of fiber optic equipmenttrays is configured to receive multiple fiber optic assemblies of theplurality of fiber optic assemblies. In an example embodiment, a U spaceincludes a height of 1.75 inches and comprises a width of 19 inches or23 inches. In some example embodiments, the at least one multi-fiberfiber optic component includes a plurality of dual-ferrule very smallform factor (VSFF) adapters, wherein each duel-ferrule VSFF adapter isconfigured to receive three (3) duel-ferrule VSFF connectors.

In a further example embodiment, a fiber optic apparatus is providedincluding a chassis. The chassis is configured to support a fiber opticconnection density of at least four hundred thirty-two (432) fiber opticconnections per U space, based on using at least one dual-ferrule verysmall form factor (VSFF) component.

In an example embodiment, the chassis is configured to support a fiberoptic connection density of at least four hundred eighty-six (486) fiberoptic connections per U space. In some example embodiments, the chassisis configured to support a fiber optic connection density of at leastfive hundred fifty-eight (558) fiber optic connections per U space.

In an example embodiment, the at least one dual-ferrule VSFF componentcomprises at least two hundred sixteen (216) dual-ferrule VSFFcomponents. In some example embodiments, a U space comprises a height of1.75 inches and comprises a width of 19 inches or 23 inches.

In still a further example embodiment, a fiber optic system is providedincluding a first fiber optic assembly and a second fiber opticassembly. The fiber optic assembly including a first body defining anfirst fiber routing volume, a plurality of fiber optic componentsdisposed on the first body, and a first plurality of optical filtersdisposed within the first fiber routing volume. At least some of thefirst plurality of optical filters are connected to at least some of thefirst plurality of fiber optic components to define a first plurality ofdense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) channels, test channels,an express port, and an upgrade port. The second fiber optic assemblyincludes a second body defining a second fiber routing volume, a secondplurality of fiber optic components disposed on the second body, and asecond plurality of optical filters disposed within the second fiberrouting volume. At least some of the second plurality of optical filtersis connected to at least some of the second plurality of fiber opticcomponents to define a second plurality of DWDM channels. The testchannels and the express port of the first fiber optic assembly areutilized for both the fiber optic assembly and the second fiber opticassembly.

In an example embodiment, the first plurality of DWDM channels includesat least twenty-four (24) DWDM channels. In some example embodiment, thesecond plurality of DWDM channels includes at least twelve (12) DWDMchannels. In an example embodiment the second plurality of DWDM channelsincludes at least twenty-four (24) DWDM channels. In some exampleembodiments, an input fiber connection of the second fiber opticassembly is connected to the upgrade port of the first fiber opticassembly. In an example embodiment, the first plurality of opticalfilters includes a first eight-skip-zero (8s0) filter coupled to a firstgroup of eight (8) DWDM channel filters, a second 8s0 filter coupled toa second group of eight (8) DWDM channel filters, and a third group ofeight (8) DWDM channel filters. In some example embodiments, an input tothe upgrade port is connected to a DWDM channel filter of the thirdgroup of 8 DWDM channel filters. In an example embodiment, the firstfiber optic assembly also includes a third 8s0 filter coupled to thethird group of eight (8) DWDM channel filters, and the upgrade port isconnected to an output of the third 8s0 filter. In some exampleembodiments, the second plurality of optical filters includes a fourth8s0 filter coupled to a fourth group of eight (8) DWDM channel filters,a fifth 8s0 filter coupled to a fifth group of eight (8) DWDM channelfilters, and a sixth group of eight (8) DWDM channel filters. In anexample embodiment, the second fiber optic assembly includes a loopbackfeature. The loopback feature comprises a first input fiber opticcomponent directly connected to an output fiber optic component and asecond input fiber optic component coupled to the first plurality ofoptical filters. In some example embodiments, the fiber optic systemalso includes a loopback connector configured to connect the outputfiber optic component to the second input fiber optic component. In anexample embodiment, the output fiber optic component and the secondinput fiber optic component are disposed in a duplex fiber opticadapter. In some example embodiment, the fiber optic system of alsoincludes a first fiber optic jumper connecting the output fiber opticcomponent of the first fiber optic assembly to an input fiber opticcomponent of the second fiber optic assembly and a second jumperconnecting an output fiber optic component of the second fiber opticassembly to the second input fiber optic component of the first fiberoptic assembly. In an example embodiment, the first plurality of fiberoptic components or second plurality of fiber optic components includesat least one dual-ferrule very small form factor (VSFF) component. Insome example embodiments, the fiber optic system also includes a chassisconfigured to support a plurality of fiber optic assemblies. The chassisis configured to support a fiber optic connection density of at leasttwo hundred eighty-eight (288) DWDM channels per U space, based on usingat least multi-fiber fiber optic component. In an example embodiment, aU space comprises a height of 1.75 inches and comprises a width of 19inches or 23 inches. In some example embodiments, the first bodyincludes a width of about 90 mm, a height of about 12 mm, and a depth ofabout 216 mm. In an example embodiment, the first plurality of opticalfilters includes a plurality of thin film filters. In some exampleembodiment, the second plurality of optical filters includes a pluralityof thin film filters.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. These modificationsinclude, but are not limited to, number or type of fiber opticequipment, fiber optic assembly, fiber optic equipment tray, featuresincluded in the fiber optic equipment tray. Any size equipment,including but not limited to 1-U, 2-U and 4-U sizes may include some orall of the aforementioned features and fiber optic assemblies or modulesdisclosed herein and some or all of their features. Further, themodifications are not limited to the type of fiber optic equipment trayor the means or device to support fiber optic modules installed in thefiber optic equipment trays. The fiber optic modules can include anyfiber optic connection type, including but not limited to fiber opticconnectors and adapters, and number of fiber optic connections, density,etc.

Further, as used herein, the terms “fiber optic cables” and/or “opticalfibers” include all types of single mode and multi-mode lightwaveguides, including one or more optical fibers that may be upcoated,colored, buffered, ribbonized and/or have other organizing or protectivestructure in a cable such as one or more tubes, strength members,jackets or the like. Likewise, other types of suitable optical fibersinclude bend-insensitive optical fibers, or any other expedient of amedium for transmitting light signals. An example of a bend-insensitiveoptical fiber is ClearCurve® Multimode or Singlemode fiber commerciallyavailable from Corning Incorporated.

Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not to belimited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications andother embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. It is intended that the embodiments cover themodifications and variations of this invention provided they come withinthe scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Althoughspecific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic anddescriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fiber optic system comprising: a first fiberoptic assembly comprising: a first body; a plurality of fiber opticcomponents disposed on the first body; and a first plurality of opticalfilters disposed on the first body, wherein at least some of the firstplurality of optical filters are optically connected to at least some ofthe first plurality of fiber optic components to define a firstplurality of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) channels,test channels, an express port, and an upgrade port; and a second fiberoptic assembly comprising: a second body; a second plurality of fiberoptic components disposed on the second body; and a second plurality ofoptical filters disposed on the second body, wherein at least some ofthe second plurality of optical filters are optically connected to atleast some of the second plurality of fiber optic components to define asecond plurality of DWDM channels, wherein the test channels and theexpress port of the first fiber optic assembly are utilized for both thefirst fiber optic assembly and the second fiber optic assembly.
 2. Thefiber optic system of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of DWDMchannels comprises at least twenty-four (24) DWDM channels.
 3. The fiberoptic system of claim 1, wherein the second plurality of DWDM channelscomprises at least twelve (12) DWDM channels.
 4. The fiber optic systemof claim 1, wherein the second plurality of DWDM channels comprises atleast twenty-four (24) DWDM channels.
 5. The fiber optic system of claim1, wherein an input fiber connection of the second fiber optic assemblyis optically connected to the upgrade port of the first fiber opticassembly.
 6. The fiber optic system of claim 1, wherein the firstplurality of optical filters comprises a first eight-skip-zero (8s0)filter coupled to a first group of eight (8) DWDM channel filters, asecond 8s0 filter coupled to a second group of eight (8) DWDM channelfilters, and a third group of eight (8) DWDM channel filters.
 7. Thefiber optic system of claim 6, wherein an input to the upgrade port isoptically connected to a DWDM channel filter of the third group of eight(8) DWDM channel filters.
 8. The fiber optic system of claim 6, whereinthe first fiber optic assembly further comprises a third 8s0 filtercoupled to the third group of eight (8) DWDM channel filters, andwherein the upgrade port is optically connected to an output of thethird 8s0 filter.
 9. The fiber optic system of claim 8, wherein thesecond plurality of optical filters comprises a fourth 8s0 filtercoupled to a fourth group of eight (8) DWDM channel filters, a fifth 8s0filter coupled to a fifth group of eight (8) DWDM channel filters, and asixth group of eight (8) DWDM channel filters.
 10. The fiber opticsystem of claim 1, wherein the first fiber optic assembly comprises aloopback feature, wherein the loopback feature comprises a first inputfiber optic component directly optically connected to an output fiberoptic component and a second input fiber optic component coupled to thefirst plurality of optical filters.
 11. The fiber optic system of claim10 further comprising: a loopback connector configured to connect theoutput fiber optic component to the second input fiber optic component.12. The fiber optic system of claim 10, wherein the output fiber opticcomponent and the second input fiber optic component are disposed in aduplex fiber optic adapter.
 13. The fiber optic system of claim 10further comprising: a first fiber optic jumper connecting the outputfiber optic component of the first fiber optic assembly to an inputfiber optic component of the second fiber optic assembly; and a secondjumper connecting an output port of the second fiber optic assembly tothe second input fiber optic component of the first fiber opticassembly.
 14. The fiber optic system of claim 1, wherein the firstplurality of fiber optic components or second plurality of fiber opticcomponents comprises at least one dual-ferrule very small form factor(VSFF) component.
 15. The fiber optic system of claim 1 furthercomprising: a chassis configured to support a plurality of fiber opticassemblies; wherein the chassis is configured to support a fiber opticconnection density of at least two hundred eighty-eight (288) DWDMchannels per U space, based on using at least one multi-fiber fiberoptic component.
 16. The fiber optic system of claim 15, wherein a Uspace comprises a height of 1.75 inches and comprises a width of 19inches or 23 inches.
 17. The fiber optic system of claim 1, wherein thefirst body comprises a width of about 90 mm, a height of about 12 mm,and a depth of about 216 mm.
 18. The fiber optic system of claim 1,wherein the first plurality of optical filters includes a plurality ofthin film filters.
 19. The fiber optic system of claim 1, wherein thesecond plurality of optical filters includes a plurality of thin filmfilters.